Ophthalmology professionals in Jujuy are emphasizing the importance of regular eye check-ups for early detection of vision problems. The Ministry of Health of Jujuy has announced that December 13 marks Ophthalmologist Day in Argentina, coinciding with the commemoration of Saint Lucy, patron saint of sight.
Ophthalmologists are medical specialists responsible for eye and visual system care. Their work includes prescribing glasses or contact lenses, performing surgical procedures related to eye health, and conducting scientific research on the causes and progression of ocular diseases.
In Jujuy, ophthalmologists provide services at health centers, CAPS (Primary Health Care Centers), nodes, hospitals, school health programs, and mobile units across the province. They will also participate in upcoming health operations in various neighborhoods of San Salvador de Jujuy.
On Thursday, December 18, a healthcare deployment will take place at the Centro Cultural Desarrollo Humano de Alto Comedero. On Friday, December 19, services will be available at Escuela Nº 111 in Barrio San Francisco de Álava. On Saturday, December 20, teams will be present at Polideportivo 790 Viviendas in Barrio Cuyaya.
During these events, individuals seeking ophthalmological care must present their national ID (DNI) and CUIL number. Additional health services such as clinical medicine, pediatrics, dentistry, gynecology appointments for mammograms, PSA tests for prostate cancer screening, HIV and syphilis testing will also be offered. Other resources include zoonosis prevention education (such as tuberculosis and dengue), social work support services like call centers and specialized evaluation boards (CEMIR and CRENNA), nutrition counseling, psychology services, and podiatry.
The Ministry explained that good visual health means having clear vision and healthy eyes. Common eye conditions include conjunctivitis and styes—which do not cause permanent vision loss—and more serious issues like glaucoma or cataracts that may require medication or surgery.
Refractive errors such as presbyopia (difficulty seeing nearby objects after age 40), myopia (difficulty seeing distant objects), hypermetropia (trouble seeing up close regardless of age), and astigmatism (blurred vision both near and far) can be corrected with glasses but not cured.
Eye diseases are often first noticed by patients themselves; however regular screenings are recommended at several stages: newborns should be checked soon after birth; children at age three; before starting primary school; again at age thirteen; then annually after forty years old.
People with diabetes need more frequent eye exams due to higher risk for ocular complications. Premature infants should also receive regular follow-up because they are susceptible to cataracts or retinopathy.
With increased use of digital screens in daily life comes advice from professionals: avoid using devices in total darkness; relax neck muscles to maintain blood flow to the eyes; blink regularly; move your gaze periodically to exercise ocular muscles; rest your eyes every twenty minutes by looking away from screens for twenty seconds at a distance of six meters or more.
“If you experience blurred vision or any discomfort in your eyes,” stated officials from the Ministry of Health of Jujuy,”you should seek immediate attention at your nearest health center instead of self-medicating.”
